In the annals of football, the tallest player ever took part in an official game
Giant Strides: Pavel Podkolzin Makes History in Football
Pavel Podkolzin, a towering figure in more ways than one, has made a name for himself in the world of football. Standing at an impressive 2.26 meters tall, Podkolzin is not just a standout player due to his size, but also because of his exceptional skills on the pitch.
The Russian Cup has become a platform for Podkolzin to demonstrate his potential and unique qualities as a tall football player. In 2025, he made history by becoming the tallest professional footballer on record, when he played for FC Amkal Moscow in the Russian Cup. This marked a significant achievement in his career and added to the noteworthiness of his accomplishments in football.
Podkolzin's participation in the Russian Cup against "Amkal" and "Kaluga" was a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. Despite taller players having tried their hand at the amateur level, Podkolzin was the first to participate in an official football match with his remarkable height of 226 centimeters.
This career path—from NBA center to professional footballer—is highly unusual and distinguishes Podkolzin's notable athletic achievements in two major sports. Before his foray into football, Podkolzin was a professional basketball player, being drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 2004 NBA draft. He played professionally in the NBA (Dallas Mavericks), Russian leagues, and Italian league, known for his size, blocking ability, and strength.
However, Podkolzin decided to retire from basketball in 2019 and made a notable switch to professional football. His transition from basketball to football surprised many fans and highlighted his unique athletic versatility.
Podkolzin's height may provide an advantage in certain aspects of football, such as heading the ball or reaching high crosses. His participation in the Russian Cup further solidifies his status as a standout player in the football world, surpassing the previous record held by Simon Jorgensen, a Danish goalkeeper who stood at 211 centimeters.
In summary, Pavel Podkolzin continues to make history in the football world, playing in significant matches and breaking records along the way. His unique height and background as a former professional basketball player make him a standout player, and his participation in the Russian Cup marks another official football match in his career.
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